Topical Bible: The Eagle: Swift

◄ The Eagle: Swift ►

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The eagle, a majestic bird of prey, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing strength, swiftness, and the divine. Its characteristics and behaviors are often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and divine attributes.

Symbol of Swiftness and Strength

The eagle is renowned for its speed and power, traits that are highlighted in various biblical passages. In Deuteronomy 28:49 , the swiftness of the eagle is used to describe the rapid approach of a foreign nation as a form of divine judgment: "The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand." This imagery underscores the sudden and overwhelming nature of the impending threat.

Similarly, in 2 Samuel 1:23 , the swiftness of Saul and Jonathan is likened to that of eagles: "Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, and in death they were not parted; they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions." Here, the eagle's speed is a metaphor for the valor and prowess of these warriors.

Divine Care and Protection

The eagle also symbolizes God's care and protection for His people. In Exodus 19:4 , God reminds the Israelites of His deliverance from Egypt: "You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." This imagery conveys the idea of God lifting His people above danger and carrying them to safety with the strength and grace of an eagle.

Isaiah 40:31 further illustrates the renewing power of God, promising strength to those who trust in Him: "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." The eagle's ability to soar effortlessly becomes a metaphor for the spiritual renewal and endurance granted by God.

Judgment and Destruction

The eagle's swiftness is also associated with judgment and destruction. In Jeremiah 4:13 , the prophet warns of an impending invasion: "Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like a whirlwind, his horses swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!" The eagle's speed here emphasizes the inevitability and severity of the coming judgment.

Wisdom and Vision

The eagle's keen vision is another attribute that finds metaphorical use in Scripture. Job 39:27-29 describes the eagle's ability to see from great distances: "Does the eagle soar at your command and make his nest on high? He dwells on a cliff and lodges there; his stronghold is on a rocky crag. From there he spies out food; his eyes see it from afar." This passage highlights the eagle's wisdom and insight, qualities that are often associated with divine perception and understanding.

In summary, the eagle in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of swiftness, strength, divine care, judgment, and wisdom. Its characteristics are used to convey profound spiritual truths and to illustrate the nature of God's interaction with His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 1:23
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son
... The beginning of the gospel was the anticipation and the proclamation of strength
like the eagle's, swift of flight, and powerful to strike and destroy. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the strong forerunner and the.htm

At the Dedication of a Church
... The eagle is the pure man, formed in the Image of God, who flies up with all his ...
our Lord walks on the wings of the wind; for the wind is so swift and fast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxv at the dedication.htm

But Besides, if Birds of Augury Converse with one Another...
... not he have been on his guard against suffering what he did from the eagle? ... hawk
[4044] as his messenger, for the hawk [4045] is called the "swift messenger of ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xci but besides if.htm

"What is Your Life?"
... Time is the same to all. It is a handbreadth; a weaver's shuttle; nothing;
an eagle hasting to the prey; a swift post; a swift ship. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/what is your life.htm

Climbing the Mountain
... whilst those who trust in the Lord,. "Swift as the eagle cuts the air,. Shall mount
aloft to his abode; On wings of love their souls shall fly. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/climbing the mountain.htm

The Christian Race, Isa. 40 28-31.
... 5 Swift as an eagle cuts the air We'll mount aloft to thine abode, On wings of
love our souls shall fly, Nor tire amidst the heavenly road. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 1 48 the christian race.htm

LM Watts. Press Onward to the Mark.
... 4 Swift as an eagle cuts the air, We'll mount aloft to Thine abode; On wings
of love our souls shall fly, Nor tire amidst the heavenly road. ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/541 l m watts press.htm

The Christian Race. Isa. 40:28-31.
... Shall melt away, and droop, and die. Swift as an eagle cuts the air,. We'll mount
aloft to thine abode. On wings of love our souls shall fly,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 48 the christian race.htm

The Christian Race.
... 4 Swift as an eagle cuts the air, We'll mount aloft to thine abode; On wings
of love our souls shall fly, Nor tire amidst the heavenly road. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/370 the christian race.htm

March 16 Morning
... They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the
prey."Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep . . . ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/march 16 morning.htm